Playing with Textures

Workwear in the fall is an opportunity to mix textures, layer sweaters and blazers, and have a lot of fun not sweating in something more covered up. I love the dark colors of this look, but how the different types of material are what add the interest. I started with my dark blue cropped turtleneck (which was tastefully tucked into the skirt for the office). I’ve been waiting to wear this for a while now because it’s the perfect transitional piece. The high cut makes it fall weather appropriate, but the fact that it’s sleeveless and cropped keeps you from overheating. In Washington D.C, clothing that can be versatile of all sorts of weather conditions is important since often it’s unpredictable and tends to change throughout the day.

I styled the top with my faux black leather pencil skirt from Zara. Even though the leather makes it a bit of a standout piece, I’ve actually been able to make this work as a neutral basic on so many occasions. The longer length makes it easily appropriate for the office, while still maintaining edge, and seamlessly transitioning to an outing in the evening hours. To finish off, I added a pinstriped blazer that nicely compliments the subtle pinstripe of the turtleneck. I’ve been really into rolling up the sleeves to give it that cuffed look. It allows so much more opportunity to show off jewelry.

These suede booties with gold side detailing pull everything together and absolutely scream fall. I am so obsessed with them; I’m sure I will be styling them all season long. There is nothing more versatile than a great black boot, short enough to wear with both jeans and skirts, in casual and more formal settings. They are the perfect go-with-everything piece. I could have paired a pair of black pumps with this particular boot, but I went with boot because it adds just that little bit of extra, which elevates the edge and personality of the outfit. Also, it really brings the whole look into the fall season.

Mixing textures, in this case leather, wool, and suede, is a great way to style outfits for the upcoming months. Keep in mind, that it’s important to maintain consistency in tone and color family, so as to not appear haphazard. When done right, this is such a fun way to make the workweek wardrobe tons more interesting!